Building a Career Through Value, Not Titles
“Results without people are not success; people without results are not leadership.”
Hrvoje Strepački, currently serving as SVP Global Delivery at the American IT company Newfire Global Partners, leads global service delivery with teams spread across Europe, Latin America, Asia, and the Pacific. Every day, he balances business growth, delivery quality, and the well-being of the people driving the business. However, some of the most important professional lessons he has learned are not tied to his current position but to the Executive MBA, which, as he says, permanently changed his perspective on work, hierarchy, and the true value of leadership. “It’s been more than ten years, but I still see how the MBA has influenced my way of thinking,” he reflects.
At the start of his career, Hrvoje worked in large systems, where, like many, he focused on hierarchy, structure, and titles. The MBA, he explains, broadened his perspective. “Through the program, the theory, and the people you meet, your focus shifts. You start thinking about the value you bring and the legacy you want to leave. Structure and titles become less important, and creating real value becomes the priority.”
Modules That Change Your View of Business
Hrvoje laughs as he admits he doesn’t remember all the details, but certain modules and professors remain vivid in his memory. “The finance modules with Professor Gupta were fascinating. And, of course, the business communication module with Marijo Bos. Economics, finance… all of it added a new dimension to my understanding of business and provided a broader perspective.”
His favorite memory from the program is the final project. “Creating something from scratch. Working in a team, turning an idea into a concrete project – that’s an incredible experience. It brings together everything you’ve learned: knowledge, team dynamics, ego, roles… And then you produce something valuable. That was special for me.”
The Challenge of Balancing That Pays Off
During his studies, the biggest challenge was balancing his personal life with the program’s demands. “The school’s organization made it challenging, not so much for work but personally. However, I had support, and now I see that it came at the right time. It was worth every minute.”
Mentors Revealed Over Time
While he didn’t establish business collaborations with his cohort, he did form lasting friendships. “We stayed in touch, especially the team I worked with on the business plan. Those are connections that last.”
When asked who left the biggest mark on his career, Hrvoje doesn’t name one person.
“You’re often unaware of it while it’s happening. It’s only with time that you realize. Sometimes it’s a more experienced colleague, sometimes a peer. Sometimes it’s a comment or feedback that feels uncomfortable at the moment, but later becomes a turning point. You realize that critical feedback often has more value than those who simply agree with you. That’s a moment of growth and maturity.”
What Would He Add to Today’s MBA Program?
The world has changed significantly in recent years: the pandemic, remote work, hybrid models, and global teams.
“The ability to strategically plan during uncertain times and effective communication are crucial. Today, we work with global teams from different cultures, values, and habits – you need to know how to lead that.”
He adds that there should be an even greater emphasis on connecting numbers with people. “A leader must understand P&L and simultaneously know how to guide people through change. One without the other simply doesn’t work today.”
What Makes a Successful Leader?
“A successful leader is someone who has built a team that doesn’t require their constant presence. That ‘invisible presence’ is essential. The team needs space for ideas, initiative, and taking responsibility. A good leader creates leaders better than themselves.”
He sums it up in one sentence:
“Results without people are not success; people without results are not leadership.”
Advice for Someone Entering a Leadership Role for the First Time
“Don’t rush. Don’t focus on titles. Observe, gather experience, and ask yourself every day – how did I contribute? If you can’t answer that question, that day was wasted.”
He also highlights the importance of intergenerational communication.
“Today, working with different generations in the same team is a huge challenge. Understanding their perspectives and adapting your leadership style to those differences is critical.”
A Message to Those Considering an MBA
“Yes, enroll it. But not too early. An MBA is most beneficial when you already have experience, both good and bad. That’s when you can give the most to the program – and get the most out of it.”